U.S. federal agency regulating interstate electricity, natural gas, and oil transport.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued region-specific orders to speed grid connections for AI-driven data centers and large energy users, aiming to balance faster power access with consumer costs. The moves target six grid regions serving over 200 million people and seek transparent cost allocation, with responses due within 60 days.
Federal regulators have issued orders to regional grid operators to speed connections for large data centers while requiring transparency and rules to prevent ratepayers from subsidising grid upgrades. Tech firms and energy officials are defending faster hookups and new cooling tech; communities and experts are warning about water, electricity and local costs as data‑center buildouts surge.
Solar generation has surpassed coal in the US grid, led by rooftop and utility-scale projects, signaling a growing dominance of renewables. The Energy Information Administration data show renewables outpacing coal in total power delivery, with solar near the gap but not yet yearly total. The trend continues as demand climbs and permitting hurdles persist.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.